“Of course, it was a mistake. You know, one makes a lot of mistakes in life,” Blatter said, when asked about FIFA’s decision. ”The technical report indicated clearly that it was too hot in summer, but despite that the executive committee decided with quite a big majority that the tournament would be in Qatar.”

It hasn’t been officially decided what time of year the World Cup will take place in 2022, but some believe the country’s searing summer heat will ultimately push the event into winter, rather than its usual summer timetable.

Some have voiced concerns about the country’s poor infrastructure and its treatment of migrant workers. A report by an international law firm found that more than 900 workers from Nepal, India and Bangladesh have died over the past two years following the Guardian’s report on the country’s dire working conditions. Those types of workers would likely be instrumental in building what’s needed to support the World Cup in 2022.

FIFA stepped in to clarify, saying Blatter’s comments were taken out of context:

“The president reiterated that the decision to organise the World Cup in summer was an ‘error’ based on the technical assessment report of the bid, which had highlighted the extremely hot temperatures in summer in Qatar. At no stage did he question Qatar as hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

Meanwhile, a wave of protests against this year’s World Cup is sweeping across Sao Paulo and Rio in Brazil, according to the BBC. Demonstrators are sounding off against the billions being spent to host the event in Brazil this summer, saying that money should be funding education, public services and housing projects.

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